A recently-loaded Youtube video calling for the Beenleigh courthouse to be moved has raised some eyebrows, not least from those representing the political system it criticises.
The 12-minute video, created by vlogger Rob Braiden, presents Beenleigh as a neglected place, “a dumping ground of plethora of social problems”.
It presents statistics which show the town outstrips Ipswich as a centre for crime, a place where people are reluctant to live and invest.
It says historically, Beenleigh has always shown promise, initially set up as an important regional centre, and later as a “much-loved” stopover to the Gold Coast.
But it says the town has been under various local government jurisdictions, and talks about a “counter-productive attitude of successive state and federal governments, “that the druggies and undesirables are to be given top priority”.
Mr Braiden suggests in his voiceover commentary that Beenleigh is being left behind, but could be a thriving centre for business if the courthouse was moved and the existing building used for community benefit – library, meeting rooms, and art gallery.
Federal member for Forde Bert van Manen and state member for Macalister Melissa McMahon might sit on opposite sides of the political fence, but they agreed the video raised some salient points.
Ms McMahon said while it would be interesting to hear what people thought about the idea to move the courthouse, they should also consider what else money could be used for, including school and road upgrades.
Mr van Manen said while the video had some interesting historical elements, it was disappointing that it portrayed Beenleigh in such an overly negative light.
“If the aim of the video was to encourage more urban renewal it might have been more beneficial to focus on some of the great initiatives and projects happening in here,” he said.
“For example, the new Distillery Road Market, the Beenleigh Historical Village, the award winning Spirits of the Red Sand and the Beenleigh Rum Distillery; not to mention all the local and sporting groups that give the Beenleigh I
know such fantastic spirit and sense of community.”
Cr Karen Murphy, who represents Beenleigh on Logan City Council, said points raised in the video were an opportunity for people to contact her direct with opinions.
“I have been here for eight months, and I am looking at opportunities for the entirety of Division 12, and how we can provide a makeover, including extra security,” she said.
But she said negative commentary on Facebook wasn’t productive.
“People need to contact me as councillor,” she said.
“Our little city is booming. We are working on broad plans with the state and federal governments, and there are a lot of projects coming to fruition in 2021.”
These projects would be exciting for Beenleigh, she said.
